Asmara: A Modernist African City

Asmara: Africa’s Modernist City (UNESCO World Heritage Nomination)

Asmara, Eritrea's modernist capital, stands as a groundbreaking example of colonial urban planning and architecture that challenges Eurocentric narratives. The city's nomination for UNESCO World Heritage List (WHL) in 2016, supported by nearly two decades of interdisciplinary research, highlights its unique blend of innovative functional zoning, modernist design, and local cultural integration. Unlike many post-colonial settings, Asmara's conservation approach emphasizes preserving early colonial-era architecture, offering a critical lens to reassess global heritage perceptions. The research aims to secure the city's WHL inscription while addressing the underrepresentation of African and modernist sites on the list, fostering stability and prosperity.